Woking car maker is among top British businesses travelling east to negotiate new deals

McLaren is joining Theresa May on her trade visit to China this week with intentions of encouraging a deal to help it double sales there.

Company chief operating officer Jens Ludmann will join the Prime Minister on her tour of China shortly before the Woking car maker begins to export its 570S Spider and 720S models there.

McLaren already has 10 Chinese dealerships but it will open an additional one in Xiamen this year. The car maker intends to sell more than 300 cars before the end of the year. It sold 147 there in 2017.

McLaren’s growth plans will see it produce bespoke models for the Chinese market. The country is the world’s biggest new car market and accounts for almost a third of global annual sales.

The brand confirmed that it is working with a yet to be named Chinese fashion designer to create a limited run of 570GT Sports Series models. McLaren also said it is working with other local companies.

Ludmann said “China is increasingly important for a company like McLaren as we are set to import new models, expand our retailer network, boost investment and grow sales, all while working closely with local businesses, designers and craftspeople to jointly celebrate British and Chinese culture and talent.”

Of all the countries it sells in, America remains McLaren’s biggest market. Britain runs in third, with sales in the domestic market having grown by 23% last year. In total, McLaren sold 3340 cars in 2017.